Topical Encyclopedia The concept of a dowry, also known as a bride price or marriage gift, is a significant cultural and legal practice in biblical times, reflecting the customs and social structures of ancient societies. The dowry served various purposes, including compensating the bride's family for the loss of her labor, providing financial security for the bride, and formalizing the marriage agreement.Old Testament References 1. Genesis 24:53 · In the account of Isaac and Rebekah, Abraham's servant gives gifts to Rebekah and her family as part of the marriage arrangement: "Then the servant brought out gold and silver jewelry, and articles of clothing, and gave them to Rebekah. He also gave precious gifts to her brother and her mother." 2. Genesis 29:18-20 · Jacob's service to Laban for Rachel can be seen as a form of dowry: "Jacob loved Rachel, so he answered, 'I will serve you seven years for your younger daughter Rachel.' Laban replied, 'Better that I give her to you than to another. Stay here with me.' So Jacob served seven years for Rachel, yet it seemed but a few days because of his love for her." 3. Exodus 22:16-17 · The Law of Moses addresses the issue of dowry in cases of seduction: "If a man entices a virgin who is not pledged in marriage and lies with her, he must pay the bride price, and she will be his wife. If her father absolutely refuses to give her to him, the man still must pay an amount comparable to the bride price for virgins." 4. 1 Samuel 18:25 · King Saul's request for a dowry from David for his daughter Michal: "Saul replied, 'Say to David, "The king desires no other dowry but a hundred Philistine foreskins, to take revenge on his enemies."' But Saul intended to cause David’s death at the hands of the Philistines." 5. Deuteronomy 22:28-29 · The law concerning a man who violates a virgin: "If a man encounters a virgin who is not pledged in marriage, and he seizes her and lies with her, and they are discovered, the man who lay with her must pay the young woman’s father fifty shekels of silver, and she must become his wife, because he has violated her. He may not divorce her as long as he lives." Cultural and Social Implications The dowry system in biblical times was deeply embedded in the social and economic fabric of the community. It was not merely a financial transaction but a covenantal act that involved families and communities. The dowry served as a tangible expression of the groom's commitment and ability to provide for his future wife. It also acted as a form of protection for the bride, ensuring her welfare in the event of her husband's death or divorce. New Testament Context While the New Testament does not explicitly address the practice of dowry, the cultural context of marriage in the first-century Jewish and Greco-Roman world would have included similar customs. The emphasis in the New Testament shifts more towards the spiritual and covenantal aspects of marriage, as seen in passages like Ephesians 5:25-33, where the relationship between Christ and the Church is mirrored in the marital relationship. In summary, the practice of dowry in biblical times was a multifaceted institution that played a crucial role in the marriage process, reflecting the values and social norms of the ancient world. The biblical references to dowry highlight its importance in legal, economic, and familial contexts. Nave's Topical Index Exodus 22:16,17And if a man entice a maid that is not betrothed, and lie with her, he shall surely endow her to be his wife. Nave's Topical Index Ruth 4:3-9 Library After Eutropius Having Been Found Outside the Church had Been ... Justinian. The Old Testament and Comparative Religion Letter cxxx. To Demetrias. Period I: the Imperial State Church of the Undivided Empire, or ... A Discourse Upon the Pharisee and the Publican The Pharisee and the Publican The Rise of the Assyrian Empire Resources What constitutes marriage according to the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgAre there parallels between Jewish wedding traditions and our relationship to Christ? | GotQuestions.org What were common marriage customs in Bible times? | GotQuestions.org Dowry: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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